Ex-Baguio exec cleared in botched bingo franchise deal
Sandiganbayan (File photo) MANILA - The Sandiganbayan has cleared a former Baguio City councilor charged with estafa by a private individual who sought help for the approval of a bingo franchise. In a 21-page decision on Friday, the anti-graft court acquitted Rufino Panagan for the failure of the complainant, Lumina Peil, to prove the elements of the crime beyond reasonable doubt. Peil recounted that in 2003, Panagan offered a bingo business proposal to be established at Abanao Square. Their initial discussion said the franchise will cost PHP1.98 million. A few months later, Panagan informed P...